Cric-Cuisine: Irish Turkey Shepherd's Pie

Ireland's incredibly delicious Turkey Shepherd's Pie, made with high-quality US Poultry turkey, is a shareable dish tailor-made for cricket viewing parties and feasts.

Ingredients: 

For the Filling: 

  • 1 lb ground turkey 

  • 1 onion

  • 2 cloves garlic

  • 2 carrots

  • 1 cup peas (frozen or fresh) 

  • 1 cup corn (frozen or fresh) 

  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste 

  • 1 cup chicken broth 

  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 

  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme 

  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary 

  • Salt and pepper to taste 

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil 

For the Mashed Potato Topping: 

  • 2 lbs potatoes

  • 1/2 cup milk 

  • 4 tablespoons butter 

  • Salt and pepper to taste 

  • 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese (optional) 

Method: 

  • In a large saucepan of salted water, boil the chopped potatoes until they are soft, about 15-20 minutes. 

  • Once the potatoes are drained, add them back to the saucepan. 

  • Mashed till smooth after adding the butter, milk, salt, and pepper. Put away. 

  • Warm up your oven to 400°F, or 200°C. 

  • Bring the olive oil to medium heat in a big skillet. 

  • Add the minced garlic and onion, and cook for about 5 minutes, or until transparent. 

  • Break apart with a spoon while you cook the ground turkey in the pan until it is browned. 

  • Add the corn, peas and sliced carrots; simmer for an additional five minutes. 

  • Add the tomato paste, salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, chicken broth, and Worcestershire sauce. 

  • About ten minutes of simmering the mixture should be enough to soften the veggies and thicken the sauce. 

  • Spread the turkey mixture evenly in a baking dish after transferring it there. 

  • Spreading them out to thoroughly cover the filling, spoon the mashed potatoes over the turkey mixture. 

  • Top the mashed potatoes with shredded cheddar cheese, if using. 

  • After preheating the oven, place the baking dish inside and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the filling is bubbling around the edges and the top is brown. 

  • Before serving, let the Shepherd's Pie to cool for a few minutes. 

Recipe Tips for Irish Shepherd's Pie 

  • Use high-quality U.S. Poultry ground turkey thigh as it has more fat than breast meat, providing better flavour and moisture. 

  • Turkey can be mild, so be generous with seasonings like garlic, onions, herbs (thyme, rosemary), and Worcestershire sauce to enhance the flavour. 

  • Add a variety of vegetables such as carrots, peas, corn, and celery. They add flavour, texture, and nutrition to the pie. 

  • Allow the Shepherd’s Pie to rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps the filling to set and makes it easier to serve.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use other meats for Shepherd's Pie? 

Yes, you can. The recipe presented above is a unique take by the U.S. Poultry Bowls You Over campaign featuring ground turkey. You can also use ground chicken, or even options such as mushrooms, tofu, or cottage cheese for a vegetarian twist.  

What are the vegetables typically used in Shepherd's Pie? 

The pie traditionally features carrots, peas, onions, and at times corn. All of these are common veggies which are available throughout the year. 

Can you prepare Shepherd's Pie in advance? 

Yes, you can. Simply store your turkey and vegetable filling along with your mashed potatoes in two separate containers. Take it out whenever you are ready to bake your pie.   

Can you store Shepherd's Pie for later? 

Yes, Shepherd's Pie doesn't go bad quickly if stored under proper conditions. Simply store it in an airtight container and reheat it in the microwave before consumption. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.